Struggling HBCU 'Suspends' Football Program For The Fall Season

Financial issues will prevent the Falcons from fielding a football team in 2024.

St. Augustine's University interim president Dr. Marcus Burgess has "suspended" the football program for the 2024 season. The embattled HBCU has been struggling financially.

"It will take roughly 27 to 28 million dollars and 30 million for good judgment because there's still deferred maintenance pieces that have to happen," Dr. Burgess said to reporter Greg Funderburg.

Coach Howard Feggins

Coach Howard Feggins; St. Augustine's University

Last season, St. Augustine's abruptly fired former head coach Howard Feggins. Due to the university's financial status, the wrongful termination lawsuit Feggins filed on Dec. 19, 2023, may never be heard.

Recently, the IRS placed a lien on the school, and the school has failed to pay creditors for up to two years. Classes have moved from on-campus to virtual for approximately 800 students.

In addition, the university has two to three payroll checks behind in paying the faculty and staff.
Burgess also told Funderberg that the university requires a "miracle" to stay afloat.